Sunday, June 25, 2006

With five of the first 52 picks in Saturday's NHL Entry Draft, the Caps were a busy bunch. Below is a recap of who they picked (click on the image to enlarge it), a profile of each player (where available) and any related buzz about the pick. This page will be updated as I find new material.

The Washington Capitals today selected center Nicklas Backstrom with the fourth overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft in Vancouver. The selection is the club’s 10th first-round selection in the last five years (2002-06).

A 6-foot, 183-pound Gavle, Sweden native, Backstrom played both junior and senior hockey with Brynas in the Swedish league in 2004-05 and was named best forward on Bryans in 2005-06. He was also named best forward on Swedish Under-20 at the World Junior Championships and named rookie of the year in the Swedish league in 2005-06.

Central Scouting reports that Backstrom is good offensive talent, an excellent playmaker and passer. He is a good offensive talent, an excellent playmaker and passer and has an incredible hockey sense and hands. Scouts have likened Backstrom’s style to fellow Swedish player Peter Forsberg. - WashingtonCaps.com